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Blaze destroys Lowell home; fire fighters rescue dog

By Robert Mills, rmills@lowellsun.com

Updated:
03/25/2013 12:32:27 PM EDT

LOWELL -- A two-alarm fire destroyed the home of the Lowell Fire Department's longtime mechanic Sunday evening, but no one was home at the time and firefighters rescued the family's dog from the flames.

Flames erupt from the roof of a home at 123 Walker St., in Lowell, on Sunday evening as firefighters try to knock down the two-alarm fire. The home was destroyed, but no one was injured. Firefighters rescued a dog. For story and more photos, see Page 6. For video, go to lowellsun.com. Sun/ROBERT MILLS

UMass Lowell police and Lowell police were first to arrive at 123 Walker St., about 6:20 p.m., and they immediately reported heavy smoke coming from the 2 1/2-story home at 123 Walker St.

Firefighters fought the blaze from inside the home as smoke poured from the eaves. They used a ladder truck and chain saws to cut holes in the side and roof of the home to allow flames and heat to escape.

A short time later, flames about 15-feet high erupted from the roof of the home.

Crews continued to battle flames from inside the home and rescued the family's dog.

Cookie Patenaude, who lives in the home with Raymond "Butch" Patenaude, said the dog, Mia, is OK as she held her in her arms on Walker Street.

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The Patenaudes were not home when the fire broke out, but returned after someone called to notify them. They have owned the home since at least 1991, according to city assessor's records.

The American Red Cross of Eastern Massachusetts will provide the family, which includes two of the Patenaudes' children, a hotel room for three nights, as well as emergency funds for food, clothing and other necessities, according to Ashley Studley, the Red Cross communications director.

Deputy Fire Chief Robert Flynn said the cause is under investigation. No firefighters were injured.

Flynn and Deputy Chief Patrick McCabe said Patenaude is a longtime employee of the department who is well-liked by his co-workers.

"He's just a good guy," McCabe said.

Walker Street was closed in the area of the fire, and Broadway Street was closed from School Street to Wilder Street while firefighters were on scene.

It was not immediately clear if the home is a total loss, but Flynn said the damage was "substantial."

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